Just a quick addendum to the previous discussion on the book Not of My Making. I was horrified at the treatment Maggie Jones received in three different churches. Those churches were not cults; they were just your normal boulevard church. So if even ordinary churches can sometimes be so hurtful, why do we imply that [...]
Archive for the ‘spiritual abuse’ Category
Why call it “cultic”?….
Posted in Abusive church leadership, The Assembly experience, spiritual abuse, tagged spiritual abuse, Spiritually abusive leadership on June 23, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Dr. Jones’ answer….
Posted in Abusive church leadership, The Assembly experience, spiritual abuse, triggers, tagged Geftakys Assembly, growth, spiritual abuse, Spiritually abusive leadership on June 8, 2009 | 2 Comments »
Saturday I posted my question to Dr. Jones regarding her book, Not of My Making: Bullying, Scapegoating and Misconduct in Churches.
Here is Dr. Jones’ reply:
Margaret Irons asked me, “What can persons who have formerly been abusive do now to make amends and help their former victims (with whom they are no longer in regular [...]
Virtual book tour….
Posted in Abusive church leadership, Books, The Assembly experience, spiritual abuse, tagged Books, spiritual abuse, Spiritually abusive leadership on June 6, 2009 | 1 Comment »
Dr. Margaret W. Jones, author of Not of My Making: Bullying, Scapegoating and Misconduct in Churches, will stop by here Monday on her virtual book tour to answer questions. One question I have for her is this: What can persons who have formerly bullied folks and been abusive do now to make amends to their [...]
Not of my Making….
Posted in Abusive church leadership, Books, spiritual abuse, tagged Books, spiritual abuse, Spiritually abusive leadership on June 6, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Not of My Making: Bullying, Scapegoating and Misconduct in Churches is an account of Dr. Margaret W. Jones’ abusive church experiences. I was sent a copy of the book and invited to take part in Dr. Jones’ virtual book tour. I am glad I read it.
In brief, Not of My Making is about the [...]
Quote on spiritual freedom…..
Posted in Legalism vs grace, spiritual abuse, tagged legalism versus grace, spiritual abuse on May 5, 2009 | 1 Comment »
Here is a great quote on the sweetness of spiritual freedom from Chuck Swindoll, Grace Awakening. In response to those like Betty G. who would retort, “You just don’t want to be subject to the Lord and go the way of the cross,” I would reply that being obedient to Christ is not the same [...]
ICSA workshop for SGA’s (“What’s an SGA???”, you ask)…
Posted in Assembly kids, spiritual abuse, tagged children of bible-based cults, growth, spiritual abuse on March 12, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
SGA’s are second generation adults who were raised in cults. A workshop especially tailored for them is a fantastic opportunity to meet some folks like yourself (how often does that happen!) and to hear from people who really understand your unique situation. ICSA is very professional, and although secular, is respectful of faith. The workshop [...]
“We shall see Him as He is!”
Posted in Assembly kids, Devotional, Grace, Legalism vs grace, Spiritual abuse devotion, The Assembly experience, The love of God, Works-based Christianity, spiritual abuse, tagged children of bible-based cults, Devotional, Geftakys Assembly, growth, legalism versus grace, spiritual abuse, Spiritual abuse devotion on February 15, 2009 | 1 Comment »
The Internet Monk describes pretty well the prevailing concern of legalistic pastors over the dangers of ‘cheap grace’ (here, here and here). Betty G. once said to me, “If there weren’t the possibility of losing out on the inheritance, what would be the motivation for sanctification?” This was a rhetorical question – the obvious answer [...]
“How do I know I am a Christian?”
Posted in Devotional, Faith, The Assembly experience, spiritual abuse, triggers, tagged Faith, growth, spiritual abuse on August 25, 2008 | 2 Comments »
Dr. Eric Thoennes answers the question this way: “For those who question their salvation, the best evidence is not the memory of having raised a hand or prayed a prayer. Nor is it having been baptized or christened. The true test of the authentic work of God in one’s life is growth in Christ-like character, [...]
False teachers and fruit….
Posted in Abusive church leadership, The Assembly experience, spiritual abuse, tagged spiritual abuse, Spiritually abusive leadership on July 18, 2008 | 1 Comment »
Reading in Matthew I came across the passage in the sermon on the mount about false teachers. Jesus gives a strong warning – “Watch out for them!” He gives one way – and only one – by which to recognize them: their fruit. Gal 5:22 immediately comes to mind – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [...]
